Dev2501

Hello everyone, I think I have detailed as much info on the problem as I am aware of below. If you would not mind running it over and leaving any helpful reply please.

I am unable to download email attachments over 2 Meg*…. Outlook starts the download and then stops suddenly at a random point in the download (2KB or even 3.5MB**) it stalls and eventually gives the error message that the connection to the server has timed out! It is very intermittent on the size but never downloads***. I have carried out extensive diagnostics which have as yet yielded no results!

I have outlook 2003 SP3 on windows xp pro,workgroup with basic auto config – Router – Switch- Network Ssetup…. IP auto, DNS Auto and POP3 Account with domain email relayed by ISP.

The router has a firewall but this has been checked and works fine. The PC had AVG but this has been removed while troubleshooting! as has the basic XP firewall.

(I should note here that the PC is part of a workgroup of about 12 PCs and ALL but one of the other machines work fine.)

I have tested the account on another stand alone PC and it works OK. I have tested another (working account) on the same machine and get the same error. (Proving that the machine or part of it is to blame)

I have removed the network cable from a good machine (from the network) onto the bad to see if the switch is the problem but have the same error.

The problem appears to be local but I have – created a new user account in windows – created a new PST file for outlook and the same problem appears! I have no idea what else I can try -

I have tested by
Zipping the images into its own zip folder. Size: 4MB

*2MB is the size successfully downloaded.
**2KB or 3.5MB is the size show in outlook when the download stalls and eventually shows the error message “timeout” . Note: The timeout has been increased from the default 1 minute to 5 minutes without a result.
*** Unless under 2MB

I hope this is enough to spur some grey cells into action. Please feel free to ask for more info or email me if you think you have the answer.

Regards
Dev2501

RichardIII

Hello Dev2501, welcome to our forums!

What I miss in the whole and very nicley detailed description of the problem is whether your techs performed malware scan (the very deep type) with AVG, Anti-Spyware software, and anti-root kit/trojan software... could you fill in these gaps please?

Dev2501

All PCs were bought and installed at the same time and have the very same if not exact install as all the others on the network (if that matters?) is it possible that these users have been a victim of malware (sharing jokes via email or visiting the same websites?) would that cause these 2 out of 12 users experience the same issue?

NO.. a malware scan has NOT been performed on the network or local machines! do you think this may yield results? deep or otherwise.

Regards
Dev2501

RichardIII

Hi againDev2501

Two already??? First there was only this one... In this case I must insist on the deep scans, as requested in my previous post.

For the time being a local scan is enough, if something is found, then your network admins should be informed and they should take appropriate action to prevent this... after we have cleaned them, of course!

Regarding these scans yielding results: I am afraid this very well may be the case!

Dev2501

What is it that you think may be found ? I am trying to understand what might have caused the problem.... ahead of scanning ! what do you think may cause the problem ?

Regards
Dev2501

RichardIII

Dev2501, hi again!

Well, a dll of the Outlook program may have become infected, reason why it doesn't function correctly! Now the task is to find it, and then get you to the "desinfection room" (Security Center)!

Note: Whatever is found, don't delete it yet!

Dev2501

Hi RichardIII

I have run a full system scan with AVG Anti Spy, Spybot Search and Destroy and a full system scan with AVG Anti Virus without finding anything other than ad cookies!

I have tested the account with outlook express to try and rule out outlook from the issue but outlook express has the same problem.

I tested using outlook express on another stand alone machine and it works ok.

Any more ideas ?

I am having a right hard time with this one :(

Regards
Dev2501

RichardIII

Hi Dev2501!

Well done! OK, do you have an installation CD for your version of Windows, or do you have a so called "System Restore" CD?

Also, did you attempt a "Repair install" of your MS Office?

Dev2501

Hi RichardIII

I have created a google mail account which uses ports 995 and 465 and this works ok. I also reset winsock but to no avail!!

will try system repair and see how that goes.

Regards
Dev2501

RichardIII

Hi Dev2501

The only problem with GMail is that attachment's size cannot exceed 10 MB! Keep me informed on the result of the repair installations!